Sheffield United vs Burnley: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Relegation-bound Sheffield United host survival hopefuls Burnley at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon as the away side look to continue their recent upturn in form.
Both sides occupy the two bottom spots in the division after gaining promotion to the top-flight last season. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time.
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Sheffield United
The hosts have endured a dismal return to the Premier League, picking up just three wins in their 32 matches so far. United haven't won since securing a 3-1 victory away at relegation rivals Luton Town in February, and have averaged just 0.63 points per game across their 16 home matches so far. Two of their three wins have came on home turf though, and their most recent outing at Bramall Lane saw them hold mid-table Chelsea to a 2-2 draw.
Nevertheless, the Blades haven't secured a home victory since a 1-0 win over Brentford in December, leaving them with the joint-worst home record in the league alongside their opponents on Saturday. It's little wonder United find themselves in this position given their form at home; an average of 1.06 goals scored isn't awful, but their 2.94 conceded has decimated any hopes of leaving the dreaded drop zone.
They've already suffered 8-0 and 6-0 home defeats to Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively, and also lost 5-0 in December's reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Burnley
Vincent Kompany's men have no doubt picked up in recent weeks, losing just once in their last six, and are beginning to believe that a consecutive season in the Premier League may be a reality. A devastating mistake from goalkeeper Arijanet Mjuric cost them all three points in their 1-1 home draw with Brighton at the weekend though, leaving them six points adrift of safety heading into the fixture.
Nevertheless, they will be buoyed by their emphatic victory over United earlier in the season, and their average of 0.63 points on the road betters the 0.59 they've managed in home games. Burnley haven't registered a victory in their last seven away matches though, albeit having faced Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea during that period.
They have also scored two or more goals in 31% of away fixtures and face a side who have conceded the same amount in 75% of matches at Bramall Lane. Burnley have been far too leaky at the back though, keeping clean sheets in just 6% of away games, conceding two or more in 63%.
Prediction
The away side have no doubt improved recently and come up against a Sheffield United side who look resigned to a return to the Championship next season. Burnley's momentum is gathering as they look for a remarkable escape from the dreaded drop zone, and OddsNow back Kompany and co to bag three vital points in this one.